When Emmanuel Rugamba signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2021, he opened a new chapter in Rwanda’s sporting history. Born to Rwandan parents, Rugamba developed his American football career through the US college system, playing for the University of Iowa before transferring to Miami University in Ohio. Although he did not make the Browns’ regular-season roster, signing with the NFL team marked a significant milestone for a player with Rwandan roots. Five years after that breakthrough, a question remains: could another player born in Rwanda follow a similar path to the National Football League (NFL)? ALSO READ: Emmanuel Rugamba’s journey to becoming the first Rwandan NFL signing Several Rwandan-born players have pursued American football through college programmes in the United States. Their journeys illustrate the different routes available to aspiring professionals, although their college careers alone do not establish whether an NFL opportunity is within reach. Here are four players whose American football journeys are worth following. River Lakey—A running at Lindenwood River Lakey is among the Rwandan-born players to watch as he progresses through the American college football system. Lindenwood University listed Lakey as a senior running back on its 2026 football roster. He wears jersey No. 26, stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. Lindenwood competes in NCAA Division I’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), providing Lakey with experience at a competitive level of college football. Born in Kigali in 2004, Lakey’s senior classification makes his next career steps particularly relevant as he approaches the end of his college eligibility. However, his roster listing does not establish whether he has attracted NFL scouting interest, entered the draft process or secured a professional opportunity. His performances and any subsequent career developments will help clarify his prospects. Elie Bizimana—Beginning his college career Elie Bizimana represents an earlier stage of the journey. Oberlin College listed him as a freshman on its 2026 football roster, identifying Kigali, Rwanda, as his hometown and Isomo Academy as his previous school. As a freshman, Bizimana has the opportunity to develop his skills and gain competitive experience over the coming seasons, subject to his eligibility and continued participation in college football. His inclusion highlights the growing presence of Rwandan-born players in the American college system rather than suggesting that he is close to an NFL opportunity. His development and progress at Oberlin will provide a clearer picture of the opportunities that may emerge as his college career advances. Irene Ngabonziza—From Villanova to Marist Irene Ngabonziza offers another perspective through his experience at two American universities. Born in Kigali on December 8, 2002, Ngabonziza played as a wide receiver at Villanova University, an NCAA Division I FCS programme. University records document his involvement with the team from 2021 through 2024, including a season missed because of injury. Marist University subsequently listed him as a graduate student and wide receiver on its 2025 roster, identifying Villanova as his previous school. His experience at both institutions reflects a sustained involvement in the US college football system. However, his playing status and career plans following the 2025 season have not been confirmed. Without updated information, it remains unclear whether he intends to pursue further opportunities in college football or explore the professional game. Leiris Manzi—From junior college to Division I Leiris Manzi is another Rwandan-born player whose American football journey is documented in college records. Born in Kigali, Manzi played offensive tackle at Hocking College before moving to Bowling Green State University, an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programme. Bowling Green listed him at 6 feet 4 inches tall and 290 pounds. His journey illustrates one of the routes available to players seeking to advance through the American football system, moving from junior college to a programme competing at the FBS level. However, Manzi’s current team, eligibility and playing status for the 2026 season remain unconfirmed, making it difficult to assess his next steps in the sport. The difficult road to the NFL Reaching the NFL is a demanding process, even for players who have competed in the US College system for several years. College participation does not guarantee a professional contract. Players must demonstrate their abilities, meet professional standards, attract the attention of scouts and compete for a limited number of roster places. Even signing an NFL contract does not guarantee a regular-season appearance, as Rugamba’s experience with the Cleveland Browns illustrates. His subsequent success in the Canadian Football League (CFL) also demonstrates that professional opportunities exist beyond the NFL. For Lakey, Bizimana, Ngabonziza and Manzi, the available college records document different stages of their football journeys. They do not establish a ranking of their chances of reaching the professional game, and their current circumstances vary. Their future performances, eligibility and access to professional opportunities will help determine what comes next. Rugamba has already demonstrated that a player with Rwandan roots can earn an NFL contract. Whether another Rwandan-born player will follow that path remains an open question.
